Time to Act! Letter to the Commissioners from the Coral Gables PAC

Self explanatory letter from the Coral Gables Political Actiion Committee to the Commissioners.

September 14, 2009

VIA EMAIL donslesnick@coralgables.com

Mayor Donald D. Slesnick, II
City of Coral Gables
City Hall
P.O. Box 141549
Coral Gables, Fl 33114-1549
VIA EMAIL rcabrera@coralgables.com

Commissioner Rafael Cabrera, Jr.
City of Coral Gables
City Hall
P.O. Box 141549
Coral Gables, Fl 33114-1549

VIA EMAIL wwithers@coralgables.com

Commissioner Wayne E. Withers
City of Coral Gables
City Hall
P.O. Box 141549
Coral Gables, Fl 33114-1549
VIA EMAIL manderson@coralgables.com

Commissioner Maria Anderson
City of Coral Gables
City Hall
P.O. Box 141549
Coral Gables, Fl 33114-1549

VIA EMAIL wkerdyk@coralgables.com

Vice Mayor/Commissioner William H. Kerdyk, Jr.
City of Coral Gables
City Hall
P.O. Box 141549
Coral Gables, Fl 33114-1549

VIA EMAIL psalerno@coralgables.com

Patrick G. Salerno, City Manager
City of Coral Gables
City Hall
405 Biltmore Way
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Re: Annual Budget

Dear Lady and Gentlemen:

I am aware that you intend to consider the 2009-2010 budget at the September 22, 2009 budget meeting. I also note that you have commission meetings set for the September 21st and 22nd.

You heard the statements and testimonies of the citizens of Coral Gables on September 8th.

You have, hopefully, by now, reviewed your own actuary’s report with respect to the pension contributions and its calculation. That report is for the past year. We are already aware that actuary report for the year that will end on September 30, 2009 will require a massive contribution to the pension plan both because of the high salaries being paid by the City and by the loss in investment during this past 12 months (probably over $40 Millon).

It should be made clear to you that raising the taxes and imposing fees upon residents this year and getting 5% contributions from certain employees for this year is solely a band aid for a fatal wound, which will become apparent next year. You must face that issue now.

You must act now to reduce salaries City wide. Merely discharging certain low level employees and reducing salaries by 5% to certain employees is not sufficient. There must be a severe reduction in salaries and there must be substantial contributions to the pension plan by employees. This must be instituted for this year and for next year and it must be done now.

Anything less is gross negligent on the part of the Commission.

We all know that the pension plan should have been abolished and/or severely modified 8 years ago. It must be done now. This will not solve the problems for this year or next year but it will address the continuing problem.

Yours very truly,

Vincent E. Damian, Jr.
VED/rrs
cc: Coral Gables PAC